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Introduction
The Birch Bay watershed is the area where rain and stormwater runoff eventually drain into one common destination, Birch Bay. This includes Lake Terrell, Terrell Creek and its feeder streams, and the upland areas that drain downhill towards the bay,
Stormwater has become a problem throughout the watershed, causing flooding and erosion as well as polluting local creeks and the bay. As development continues throughout the watershed stormwater runoff will increase and become an even greater problem.
In fall 2004, Whatcom County Planning and Development Services began working with a citizen advisory committee to create a stormwater plan that would address the stormwater problems for the Birch Bay watershed. After a number of public workshops, the Birch Bay Comprehensive Stormwater Plan was completed and adopted by the Whatcom County Council in 2006.
Following a public hearing in March 2007, the Whatcom County Council approved the creation of the Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management (BBWARM) District. This means that stormwater issues and problems in the watershed can be addressed as a priority.
The Whatcom County Council is the governing body for the district and the Stormwater Division of Whatcom County Public Works is responsible for implementing the stormwater plan. The first step for implementation will be to establish a revenue source dedicated to fund stormwater management actions for the watershed.
Funding the program
Whatcom County is considering ways to fund projects to manage stormwater runoff. Funding for stormwater is generally accomplished by charging an ongoing service fee to property owners within the watershed who will receive benefits or who are contributing to an increase in surface water runoff.
Beginning in September 2007, formal meetings and presentations are being provided to obtain feedback and gain input on a number of issues, such as:
- How will specific rates be determined (impervious surface area, land use, or some other factor)?
- How much will each property owner be charged?
- Will rate credits be offered for on-site stormwater management systems?
How will the money be used?
The revenue will be administered by Whatcom County Public Works and will only be used to address the stormwater problems for the watershed with solutions as outlined and prioritized in the Birch Bay Stormwater Plan. Solutions will consist of capital projects as well as stormwater management actions.
Capital projects are structural improvements such as construction of drainage or roadway improvements to reduce flooding. Stormwater management actions include maintenance of stormwater facilities, water quality monitoring, public education, and low-impact development (LID) measures.
Timeline
With community input, the County’s consultant will develop a funding plan with several rate options and various levels of service that could be provided with the varying revenues. This funding plan is scheduled for completion in early 2008.
Upon completion of the funding plan, a public hearing will be held to present the funding plan to the citizens and to the Whatcom County Council fro approval. Funding and operation of the program is anticipated to begin in early 2009.
To learn more or to become involved
Rates have yet to be determined so now is the time to get involved. You are encouraged to attend all future meetings.
Contact Information:
Email the Water Resources, or call Kraig Olason, Whatcom County Public Works – Stormwater at (360) 715-7450.
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